The Cuckoos of Batch Magna by Peter Maughan

Type: Novel

Genre: Humour

Price: $4.69

Where to Get It:

Amazon   

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The Cuckoos of Batch Magna

When Sir Humphrey Miles Pinkerton Strange, 8th baronet and huntin’ shooting’ and fishin’ squire of the village of Batch Magna in the Welsh Marches, departs this world for the Upper House (as he had long vaguely thought of it, where God no doubt presides in ermine over a Heaven as reassuringly familiar as White’s or Boodle’s), what’s left of his decaying estate passes, through the ancient law of entailment, to distant relative Humph, an amiable, overweight short-order cook from the Bronx.

Sir Humphrey Franklin T Strange, 9th baronet and squire of Batch Magna, as Humph now most remarkably finds himself to be, is persuaded by his Uncle Frank, a small time Wall Street broker with an eye on the big time, to make a killing by turning the sleepy backwater into a theme-park image of rural England – a vacation paradise for free-spending US millionaires.

But while the village pub and shop, with the lure of the dollar in their eyes, put out the Stars and Stripes in welcome, the tenants of the estate’s dilapidated houseboats are above any consideration of filthy lucre and stand their ground for tradition’s sake … and because they consider eviction notices not to be cricket.

Each disgruntled faction sees the other as the unwelcome cuckoo in the family nest.

So, led by randy pulp-crime writer Phineas Cook, and Lt-Commander James Cunningham DSO, DSC and Bar, RN (ret) – a man with a glass eye for each day of the week, painted with scenes from famous British naval victories and landscapes that speak of England – the motley crew run up the Union Jack and battle ensign and prepare to engage.

But this is Batch Magna, a place where anything might happen. And does …

Quotes from what the reviewers had to say:

‘A lovely British story …
THE CUCKOO’S OF BATCH MAGNA by Peter Maughan is going to become one of the most beloved books of the decade …This is a story that will restore your weary soul.’ Customer reviewer jwillis

‘…You will never forget how it made you feel.’ Customer reviewer Mark V Williams.

‘A masterpiece that is breathtaking in its scope …’ Customer reviewer Orian J. Harman

The Chupacabra: A Borderline Crazy Tale of Coyotes, Cash & Cartels by Stephen Randel

Genre: Humor, Thriller

Price: $2.99

Where to Get It:

Amazon  

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He is called El Barquero. He makes his trade along the border, smuggling guns and killing without remorse. As he faces his one last mission, his perfect plan is unwittingly foiled by Avery, a paranoid loner obsessed with global conspiracy theories who spends most of his time crafting absurd and threatening letters to anyone who offends him. That means pretty much everyone.

What unfolds is a laugh-out-loud dark comedy of madcap adventure stretching from Austin to the West Texas border featuring a lunatic band of civilian border militia, a group of bingo-crazed elderly ladies (one packing a pistol nearly as long as her arm), a murderous and double-crossing cartel boss, a burned-out hippy, and a crotchety retired doctor and his pugnacious French bulldog. Read it to believe it.

What they’re saying about it:

This is one of the most amazingly entertaining, laugh-out-loud funny, and adventurous books I’ve ever read. Full of quirky, outlandish characters that remain believable and likable, and a meaner than mean villain, this novel will keep you absorbed, keep you guessing as to what will happen next, and have you laughing so hard you’ll be struggling to read through the tears.

What a wild ride!! If you like Coen Brothers films, you will enjoy this book. All of the characters are larger than life and hilarious.

At 33 years of age, I can honestly say I have finally “met” my favorite literary character of all time. It’s no exaggeration when I tell you I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Avery Bartholomew Pendleton forever takes the cake (or sabotaged taco) in that department.

Letters To Young Chong by Melanie Jo Moore

Type: Memoir

Genre: Adult Humor

Price: $2.99

Where to Get It:

Amazon         Barnes and Noble        Smashwords

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I’ve always heard that you can pick your friends, but you can’t pick  your family. Melissa and I proved that this was not entirely true.  Experience our childhood of mistaken identity which matures over time to a friendship that endures abusive relationships, alcoholism and  everything in between. If you don’t laugh or cry, then you could  probably use a drink yourself.

What they’re saying about it:

A MUST READ! I found this book very hard to put down. With each turn of the page I  became more emotionally involved. There’s never a dull moment. Very well written and a must read!

Great Story I bought this book after seeing something about the first review through social media. Letters to Young Chong is funny in a Chelsea Handler kind of way. This book is full of laughs and great stories of growing up in a rural area.

Letters To Young Chong, an outstanding read! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I grew up on the shore and went to  school with the publisher but until now I never really new her other  than seeing her at school. This story showed me a glimpse into her life  and I enjoyed every minute of reading. Mel you are such a free spirit  and a great person. Good luck on your future writings and I look forward to them.

 

A Frightful Recipe (Chatswood Spooks #1) by Notti Thistledore; illustrated by Nela Krzewniak

Type: Chapter Book

Genre: Children’s Fantasy, Humor

Price: 99 cents

Where to Get It:

Amazon

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The Chatswood spooks are in trouble. Spookiness levels at the Chatswood Manor are at an all-time low, and their boss is not impressed. The spooks need to improve their scare tactics or find another house to haunt.

But the spooks have no intention of moving on: they still have plenty of unfinished business to attend to. Rallying together, they haunt the hallowed hallways of Chatswood Manor like never before.

The spooks, however, get the fright of their afterlives when Ivan the Fearless shows up…

The Chatswood Spooks: A Frightful Recipe is the first in the Chatswood Spooks series. Aimed at readers from Grade 2-4, each story is illustrated with detailed line drawings and is bursting with silliness.

What they’re saying:

The characters have engaging personalities and there’s a gentle humour which adults reading aloud will also appreciate.” — Carolyn at ILovePrettyThings.com.au

“The ghosts have pleasant and distinct personalities. The scary stuff is very non-scary, appropriate for very young readers. The narrative and dialogue are engaging and accessible” — Amazon reviewer PopBop

” Not only is it a surprisingly fun tale, it has its moments of humour as well.” — LJ DeVet (author

Bargain eBooks #708:

Gnit-Wit Gnipper and the Ferocious Fire Ants by T.J. Lantz

Type: Short Story

Genre: YA Fantasy, Humor

Price: 99 cents

Where to Get It:

Amazon (Kindle) 

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Gnipper is an eight year old gnomish scientist trying hard to earn the community’s respect for her work. She just needed an idea that could benefit everyone and now she has it- she’s going to create a growth serum to fix the gnome’s height issues. Everything is great until she decides to test her product on Chloe, the queen of her fire ant farm. Now she needs to act quickly or the entire community is about to be destroyed by twenty pound, angry insects. Can she save Rosehaven from another one of her mishaps?

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What they’re saying:

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“Another entertaining and well written short story by the author. Gnipper is up to her antics again in this one and the storytelling is fluid and engaging. A story for all ages, looking forward to more by this author.”

Bargain eBooks #691:

PremiumExistence by Sue Lange
Type: Short Story
Genre: Satire
Price: Free

Where to Get It:

Smashwords           Book View Cafe

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Sales brochure for purchasing a better life.  Satire of the Mad Magazine type. “Now you too can exist on a higher plane. PremiumExistence(tm) will show you how. “

Bargain eBooks #689:

The Agency by Marlin Williams

Type: Short Story

Genre: Suspense

Price: 99 cents

Where to Get It:

Amazon (Kindle)

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Frank Spencer had it all. Hollywood had brought him fame and  fortune. And then his career spiraled into years of obscurity. Now, there’s hell  to pay and The Agency has come to collect.

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What they’re saying about it:

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“This story grabs you from the start and does not let go ’til you’ve reached the  end. It is a well polished short story.”

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The Attic Piranhas by Marlin Williams

Genre: Humor

Price: $3.99

Where to Get It:

Amazon (Kindle)

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Max Fagan’s life is in a rut until his encounter with Mr.  Wong, a wise old sage with mystical powers of prophecy. But that’s only the  beginning. Max’s life is suddenly turned upside down after stumbling across a  mysterious machine that promises a quick fix to his problems. Join Max as he  discovers one of the well guarded secrets of The Universe that lands him in hot  water and sends him and his friend Ramir on some hilarious  misadventures.

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What they’re saying about it:

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“Unique and memorable characters give the reader lots of LOL moments. It is a  great read, so don’t miss this one.”

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“From the moment I started reading “The Attic Piranhas”, I literally could not  put the book down until I finished reading the last word.”

Bargain eBooks #655:

After These Messages by Holly Hook

Type: Novella

Genre: Humor, Young Adult

Price: $1.99

Where to Get It:

Amazon (Kindle)    Barnes and Noble    Smashwords

 

 

What would happen if the world suddenly turned into a giant commercial break? Unfortunately, Jade is about to find out, thanks to her little brother’s stupid wish.

Not only must she face dumb ads coming to life around her every minute of the day.  She’s also being stalked by the most terrifying one of all: the creepy, ever-smiling Burger Planet mascot!

If Jade is unable to face him, she risks losing everyone she cares about to thirty-second slots forever.

*This is a novella at about 23,000 words long. It’s not too serious.*

Bargain eBooks #649:

“You’ll Get Yours, Finkman!” by Ryan Paige

Type: Novel

Genre: Fiction, Humor

Price: $2.99

Where to Get It:

Amazon (Kindle)

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Kevin Norman didn’t even want to go to summer camp. He told his parents over and over that he’d rather spend the summer someplace with a lot fewer bugs and a lot less sunlight. But did they listen? No.
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And now not only is he stuck for the summer at Camp Prometheus, but he’s also stuck there with Lewis Finkman, quite possibly the most annoying eighth-grader the world has ever produced.
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Before his two-week tour of duty ends, Kevin finds his soul mate, has a painful and embarrassing volleyball incident and is forced to compete for his honor against his new arch enemy. All while doing his best to avoid the bears he knows are out there just waiting to pounce no matter how many people claim they don’t exist.
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And he might even manage to do a little growing up, too.

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What they’re saying:

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“This book brought back so many memories of going to church camp and the fun that I had. It is very interesting to see it from a boy’s point of view. I laughed out loud several times, in fact, a couple of times I was out in public which was quite embarrasing! The author really knows how to express things so you can actually see what he is saying. I also read his short story about Lewis (I love Lewis). I think this series would be an awesome movie. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.”–Amazon Reviewer

Bargain eBooks #640:

The Breadwinners by Jan Hurst-Nicholson

Genre: Historical, Family Saga

Price: $2.99

Where to Get It: 

Amazon (Kindle)   Amazon UK

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When a penniless immigrant baker seduces the daughter of a wealthy South African businessman her subsequent pregnancy leads to a bitter family rivalry spanning three generations.

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It is New Year’s Eve 1924 and the fiery and volatile Charles McGill is devastated when the woman he loves announces her engagement to Lucas Connelly, his friend and co-worker.

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When Charles delivers the New Year stollen bread to the home of Manfred Richter, his daughter Hilde mistakes Charles for a party guest and offers the handsome and seemingly unattached male a glass of spiced punch. Charles is soon drowning his sorrows in drink and later seduces Hilde. When she finds she is pregnant her father offers to set up the penniless Charles with his own bakery if he will marry her. Charles readily agrees and, unknown to Hilde, the two men draw up a contract. It is the beginning of a battle for supremacy between Charles, Lucas, and Miles Davenport, their former employer.

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What they’re saying:

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Charles is a conflicted man, a flawed hero, and the author nimbly renders the inner conflict regarding his seduction of Hilde and his pride in the resultant paternity, as well as his lovelorn abjection. Character development is pitch-perfect. The narrative tension is growing steadily. The pace and rhythm is lyrical, and the local color/environment is vivid. This author knows how to write an entertaining and substantial narrative.

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I was hooked from the first page by the writing and by the character of Charles. The author pays attention to detail and local color, creating an environment of dimensional characters and conflicts. The prose is muscular and the mood and tone are spot-on. Moreover, I was intrigued by secondary characters, for example the obese Benjamin, who fears the potential violence of his father. There is nuanced foreshadowing here. The author is also portraying the prejudices of South Africa with subtlety. I would certainly want to read the rest of this story.

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Something to Read on the Plane by Jan Hurst-Nicholson

Type: Short Story Collection

Price: $0.99

Where to Get It:

Amazon (Kindle)     Amazon UK

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And for your in-flight entertainment – A Bit of Light Literature, Short Stories & Other Fun Stuff It’s a light-hearted variety of humorous articles, short stories ranging from hypochondria to murder, plus a quiz, agony aunt column, limericks and a collection of malapropisms to keep you amused and divert you from the tedium of flying.

“This muesli must be old. It’s got weasels in it.”

A great book to keep with you whilst travelling, and a perfect gift (suitable for both men and women) for someone who is going on a trip.

What they’re saying:

“Should be compulsory reading to keep incorrigible chatterers quiet” – Frequent Flyer.

“Could also be used to ram down their throats” – Flight Attendant.

“The stories about me are hugely exaggerated” – Author’s Spouse.